Chapter I

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading Under a wide roof, in the midst of flowers, trees, sunshine, horses, dogs, meat, wine, wit, friendly faces and all good things, whither my affection had brought me at the invitation of yours, this violent story of the Pagan born to darkness, and progressing to the first glimmer of light, was written.

plural of “account” — a record or narrative description of past events

From this reading But you must do me the further kindness to believe that it is with no thought of squaring accounts that I dedicate it to you.

a positive feeling of liking

From this reading Under a wide roof, in the midst of flowers, trees, sunshine, horses, dogs, meat, wine, wit, friendly faces and all good things, whither my affection had brought me at the invitation of yours, this violent story of the Pagan born to darkness, and progressing to the first glimmer of light, was written.

in the Arabian Nights a boy who acquires a magic lamp from which he can summon a genie

From this reading By GOUVERNEUR MORRIS Author of “Tom Beauling” and “Aladdin O’Brien” To M. B. H. and F. B. H.

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading Under a wide roof, in the midst of flowers, trees, sunshine, horses, dogs, meat, wine, wit, friendly faces and all good things, whither my affection had brought me at the invitation of yours, this violent story of the Pagan born to darkness, and progressing to the first glimmer of light, was written.

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading Except in the valvy heart, there is no squaring of accounts among friends; except in that lively organ, there is no bringing of the credits and debits of intercourse to an honest balance and a delicate.

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading Except in the valvy heart, there is no squaring of accounts among friends; except in that lively organ, there is no bringing of the credits and debits of intercourse to an honest balance and a delicate.

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading By GOUVERNEUR MORRIS Author of “Tom Beauling” and “Aladdin O’Brien” To M. B. H. and F. B. H.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Under a wide roof, in the midst of flowers, trees, sunshine, horses, dogs, meat, wine, wit, friendly faces and all good things, whither my affection had brought me at the invitation of yours, this violent story of the Pagan born to darkness, and progressing to the first glimmer of light, was written.

writes (books or stories or articles or the like) professionally (for pay)

From this reading By GOUVERNEUR MORRIS Author of “Tom Beauling” and “Aladdin O’Brien” To M. B. H. and F. B. H.

aerobic rod-shaped spore-producing bacterium; often occurring in chainlike formations; found primarily in soil

From this reading By GOUVERNEUR MORRIS Author of “Tom Beauling” and “Aladdin O’Brien” To M. B. H. and F. B. H.

bring into balance or equilibrium

From this reading Except in the valvy heart, there is no squaring of accounts among friends; except in that lively organ, there is no bringing of the credits and debits of intercourse to an honest balance and a delicate.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading By GOUVERNEUR MORRIS Author of “Tom Beauling” and “Aladdin O’Brien” To M. B. H. and F. B. H.

accept as true; take to be true

From this reading But you must do me the further kindness to believe that it is with no thought of squaring accounts that I dedicate it to you.

brought into existence

From this reading Under a wide roof, in the midst of flowers, trees, sunshine, horses, dogs, meat, wine, wit, friendly faces and all good things, whither my affection had brought me at the invitation of yours, this violent story of the Pagan born to darkness, and progressing to the first glimmer of light, was written.

the act of delivering or distributing something (as goods or mail)

From this reading Except in the valvy heart, there is no squaring of accounts among friends; except in that lively organ, there is no bringing of the credits and debits of intercourse to an honest balance and a delicate.

inflected form of “bring” — take something or somebody with oneself somewhere

From this reading Under a wide roof, in the midst of flowers, trees, sunshine, horses, dogs, meat, wine, wit, friendly faces and all good things, whither my affection had brought me at the invitation of yours, this violent story of the Pagan born to darkness, and progressing to the first glimmer of light, was written.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But you must do me the further kindness to believe that it is with no thought of squaring accounts that I dedicate it to you.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading By GOUVERNEUR MORRIS Author of “Tom Beauling” and “Aladdin O’Brien” To M. B. H. and F. B. H.

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading It is my pleasure to owe you far more than I can pay ever.

a list of acknowledgements of those who contributed to the creation of a film (usually run at the end of the film)

From this reading Except in the valvy heart, there is no squaring of accounts among friends; except in that lively organ, there is no bringing of the credits and debits of intercourse to an honest balance and a delicate.

absence of light or illumination

From this reading Under a wide roof, in the midst of flowers, trees, sunshine, horses, dogs, meat, wine, wit, friendly faces and all good things, whither my affection had brought me at the invitation of yours, this violent story of the Pagan born to darkness, and progressing to the first glimmer of light, was written.

plural of “debit” — an accounting entry acknowledging sums that are owing

From this reading Except in the valvy heart, there is no squaring of accounts among friends; except in that lively organ, there is no bringing of the credits and debits of intercourse to an honest balance and a delicate.

give entirely to a specific person, activity, or cause

From this reading But you must do me the further kindness to believe that it is with no thought of squaring accounts that I dedicate it to you.

exquisitely fine and subtle and pleasing; susceptible to injury

From this reading Except in the valvy heart, there is no squaring of accounts among friends; except in that lively organ, there is no bringing of the credits and debits of intercourse to an honest balance and a delicate.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading But you must do me the further kindness to believe that it is with no thought of squaring accounts that I dedicate it to you.

plural of “dog” — a member of the genus Canis (probably descended from the common wolf) that has been domesticated by man since prehistoric times; occurs in many breeds

From this reading Under a wide roof, in the midst of flowers, trees, sunshine, horses, dogs, meat, wine, wit, friendly faces and all good things, whither my affection had brought me at the invitation of yours, this violent story of the Pagan born to darkness, and progressing to the first glimmer of light, was written.

at any time

From this reading It is my pleasure to owe you far more than I can pay ever.

apart from; not including

From this reading Except in the valvy heart, there is no squaring of accounts among friends; except in that lively organ, there is no bringing of the credits and debits of intercourse to an honest balance and a delicate.

a degree on the Fahrenheit scale of temperature

From this reading By GOUVERNEUR MORRIS Author of “Tom Beauling” and “Aladdin O’Brien” To M. B. H. and F. B. H.

plural of “face” — the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear

From this reading Under a wide roof, in the midst of flowers, trees, sunshine, horses, dogs, meat, wine, wit, friendly faces and all good things, whither my affection had brought me at the invitation of yours, this violent story of the Pagan born to darkness, and progressing to the first glimmer of light, was written.

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading It is my pleasure to owe you far more than I can pay ever.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading Under a wide roof, in the midst of flowers, trees, sunshine, horses, dogs, meat, wine, wit, friendly faces and all good things, whither my affection had brought me at the invitation of yours, this violent story of the Pagan born to darkness, and progressing to the first glimmer of light, was written.

plural of “flower” — a plant cultivated for its blooms or blossoms

From this reading Under a wide roof, in the midst of flowers, trees, sunshine, horses, dogs, meat, wine, wit, friendly faces and all good things, whither my affection had brought me at the invitation of yours, this violent story of the Pagan born to darkness, and progressing to the first glimmer of light, was written.

characteristic of or befitting a friend

From this reading Under a wide roof, in the midst of flowers, trees, sunshine, horses, dogs, meat, wine, wit, friendly faces and all good things, whither my affection had brought me at the invitation of yours, this violent story of the Pagan born to darkness, and progressing to the first glimmer of light, was written.

plural of “friend” — a person you know well and regard with affection and trust

From this reading Except in the valvy heart, there is no squaring of accounts among friends; except in that lively organ, there is no bringing of the credits and debits of intercourse to an honest balance and a delicate.

to or at a greater extent or degree or a more advanced stage (“further” is used more often than “farther” in this abstract sense)

From this reading But you must do me the further kindness to believe that it is with no thought of squaring accounts that I dedicate it to you.

a flash of light (especially reflected light)

From this reading Under a wide roof, in the midst of flowers, trees, sunshine, horses, dogs, meat, wine, wit, friendly faces and all good things, whither my affection had brought me at the invitation of yours, this violent story of the Pagan born to darkness, and progressing to the first glimmer of light, was written.

having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified

From this reading Under a wide roof, in the midst of flowers, trees, sunshine, horses, dogs, meat, wine, wit, friendly faces and all good things, whither my affection had brought me at the invitation of yours, this violent story of the Pagan born to darkness, and progressing to the first glimmer of light, was written.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading By GOUVERNEUR MORRIS Author of “Tom Beauling” and “Aladdin O’Brien” To M. B. H. and F. B. H.

a nonmetallic univalent element that is normally a colorless and odorless highly flammable diatomic gas; the simplest and lightest and most abundant element in the universe

From this reading By GOUVERNEUR MORRIS Author of “Tom Beauling” and “Aladdin O’Brien” To M. B. H. and F. B. H.

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading Under a wide roof, in the midst of flowers, trees, sunshine, horses, dogs, meat, wine, wit, friendly faces and all good things, whither my affection had brought me at the invitation of yours, this violent story of the Pagan born to darkness, and progressing to the first glimmer of light, was written.

the locus of feelings and intuitions

From this reading Except in the valvy heart, there is no squaring of accounts among friends; except in that lively organ, there is no bringing of the credits and debits of intercourse to an honest balance and a delicate.

not disposed to cheat or defraud; not deceptive or fraudulent

From this reading Except in the valvy heart, there is no squaring of accounts among friends; except in that lively organ, there is no bringing of the credits and debits of intercourse to an honest balance and a delicate.

plural of “horse” — solid-hoofed herbivorous quadruped domesticated since prehistoric times

From this reading Under a wide roof, in the midst of flowers, trees, sunshine, horses, dogs, meat, wine, wit, friendly faces and all good things, whither my affection had brought me at the invitation of yours, this violent story of the Pagan born to darkness, and progressing to the first glimmer of light, was written.

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading But you must do me the further kindness to believe that it is with no thought of squaring accounts that I dedicate it to you.

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading Under a wide roof, in the midst of flowers, trees, sunshine, horses, dogs, meat, wine, wit, friendly faces and all good things, whither my affection had brought me at the invitation of yours, this violent story of the Pagan born to darkness, and progressing to the first glimmer of light, was written.

communication between individuals

From this reading Except in the valvy heart, there is no squaring of accounts among friends; except in that lively organ, there is no bringing of the credits and debits of intercourse to an honest balance and a delicate.

a request (spoken or written) to participate or be present or take part in something

From this reading Under a wide roof, in the midst of flowers, trees, sunshine, horses, dogs, meat, wine, wit, friendly faces and all good things, whither my affection had brought me at the invitation of yours, this violent story of the Pagan born to darkness, and progressing to the first glimmer of light, was written.

the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading But you must do me the further kindness to believe that it is with no thought of squaring accounts that I dedicate it to you.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading But you must do me the further kindness to believe that it is with no thought of squaring accounts that I dedicate it to you.

the quality of being warmhearted and considerate and humane and sympathetic

From this reading But you must do me the further kindness to believe that it is with no thought of squaring accounts that I dedicate it to you.

of comparatively little physical weight or density

From this reading Under a wide roof, in the midst of flowers, trees, sunshine, horses, dogs, meat, wine, wit, friendly faces and all good things, whither my affection had brought me at the invitation of yours, this violent story of the Pagan born to darkness, and progressing to the first glimmer of light, was written.

full of life and energy

From this reading Except in the valvy heart, there is no squaring of accounts among friends; except in that lively organ, there is no bringing of the credits and debits of intercourse to an honest balance and a delicate.

the basic unit of length adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites (approximately 1.094 yards)

From this reading By GOUVERNEUR MORRIS Author of “Tom Beauling” and “Aladdin O’Brien” To M. B. H. and F. B. H.

the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading Under a wide roof, in the midst of flowers, trees, sunshine, horses, dogs, meat, wine, wit, friendly faces and all good things, whither my affection had brought me at the invitation of yours, this violent story of the Pagan born to darkness, and progressing to the first glimmer of light, was written.

the flesh of animals (including fishes and birds and snails) used as food

From this reading Under a wide roof, in the midst of flowers, trees, sunshine, horses, dogs, meat, wine, wit, friendly faces and all good things, whither my affection had brought me at the invitation of yours, this violent story of the Pagan born to darkness, and progressing to the first glimmer of light, was written.

the location of something surrounded by other things

From this reading Under a wide roof, in the midst of flowers, trees, sunshine, horses, dogs, meat, wine, wit, friendly faces and all good things, whither my affection had brought me at the invitation of yours, this violent story of the Pagan born to darkness, and progressing to the first glimmer of light, was written.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading It is my pleasure to owe you far more than I can pay ever.

United States suffragist in Wyoming (1814-1902)

From this reading By GOUVERNEUR MORRIS Author of “Tom Beauling” and “Aladdin O’Brien” To M. B. H. and F. B. H.

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading But you must do me the further kindness to believe that it is with no thought of squaring accounts that I dedicate it to you.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading Under a wide roof, in the midst of flowers, trees, sunshine, horses, dogs, meat, wine, wit, friendly faces and all good things, whither my affection had brought me at the invitation of yours, this violent story of the Pagan born to darkness, and progressing to the first glimmer of light, was written.

not any; not one

From this reading But you must do me the further kindness to believe that it is with no thought of squaring accounts that I dedicate it to you.

Irish writer (born in 1932)

From this reading By GOUVERNEUR MORRIS Author of “Tom Beauling” and “Aladdin O’Brien” To M. B. H. and F. B. H.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading By GOUVERNEUR MORRIS Author of “Tom Beauling” and “Aladdin O’Brien” To M. B. H. and F. B. H.

a fully differentiated structural and functional unit in an animal that is specialized for some particular function

From this reading Except in the valvy heart, there is no squaring of accounts among friends; except in that lively organ, there is no bringing of the credits and debits of intercourse to an honest balance and a delicate.

be obliged to pay or repay

From this reading It is my pleasure to owe you far more than I can pay ever.

a person who does not acknowledge your god

From this reading Under a wide roof, in the midst of flowers, trees, sunshine, horses, dogs, meat, wine, wit, friendly faces and all good things, whither my affection had brought me at the invitation of yours, this violent story of the Pagan born to darkness, and progressing to the first glimmer of light, was written.

give money, usually in exchange for goods or services

From this reading It is my pleasure to owe you far more than I can pay ever.

a fundamental feeling that is hard to define but that people desire to experience

From this reading It is my pleasure to owe you far more than I can pay ever.

-ing form of “progress” — develop in a positive way

From this reading Under a wide roof, in the midst of flowers, trees, sunshine, horses, dogs, meat, wine, wit, friendly faces and all good things, whither my affection had brought me at the invitation of yours, this violent story of the Pagan born to darkness, and progressing to the first glimmer of light, was written.

a protective covering that covers or forms the top of a building

From this reading Under a wide roof, in the midst of flowers, trees, sunshine, horses, dogs, meat, wine, wit, friendly faces and all good things, whither my affection had brought me at the invitation of yours, this violent story of the Pagan born to darkness, and progressing to the first glimmer of light, was written.

-ing form of “square” — make square

From this reading But you must do me the further kindness to believe that it is with no thought of squaring accounts that I dedicate it to you.

a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program

From this reading Under a wide roof, in the midst of flowers, trees, sunshine, horses, dogs, meat, wine, wit, friendly faces and all good things, whither my affection had brought me at the invitation of yours, this violent story of the Pagan born to darkness, and progressing to the first glimmer of light, was written.

the rays of the sun

From this reading Under a wide roof, in the midst of flowers, trees, sunshine, horses, dogs, meat, wine, wit, friendly faces and all good things, whither my affection had brought me at the invitation of yours, this violent story of the Pagan born to darkness, and progressing to the first glimmer of light, was written.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading It is my pleasure to owe you far more than I can pay ever.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading But you must do me the further kindness to believe that it is with no thought of squaring accounts that I dedicate it to you.

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading Under a wide roof, in the midst of flowers, trees, sunshine, horses, dogs, meat, wine, wit, friendly faces and all good things, whither my affection had brought me at the invitation of yours, this violent story of the Pagan born to darkness, and progressing to the first glimmer of light, was written.

in or at that place or location

From this reading Except in the valvy heart, there is no squaring of accounts among friends; except in that lively organ, there is no bringing of the credits and debits of intercourse to an honest balance and a delicate.

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading Under a wide roof, in the midst of flowers, trees, sunshine, horses, dogs, meat, wine, wit, friendly faces and all good things, whither my affection had brought me at the invitation of yours, this violent story of the Pagan born to darkness, and progressing to the first glimmer of light, was written.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading Under a wide roof, in the midst of flowers, trees, sunshine, horses, dogs, meat, wine, wit, friendly faces and all good things, whither my affection had brought me at the invitation of yours, this violent story of the Pagan born to darkness, and progressing to the first glimmer of light, was written.

the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading But you must do me the further kindness to believe that it is with no thought of squaring accounts that I dedicate it to you.

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading By GOUVERNEUR MORRIS Author of “Tom Beauling” and “Aladdin O’Brien” To M. B. H. and F. B. H.

male cat

From this reading By GOUVERNEUR MORRIS Author of “Tom Beauling” and “Aladdin O’Brien” To M. B. H. and F. B. H.

plural of “tree” — a tall perennial woody plant having a main trunk and branches forming a distinct elevated crown; includes both gymnosperms and angiosperms

From this reading Under a wide roof, in the midst of flowers, trees, sunshine, horses, dogs, meat, wine, wit, friendly faces and all good things, whither my affection had brought me at the invitation of yours, this violent story of the Pagan born to darkness, and progressing to the first glimmer of light, was written.

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading Under a wide roof, in the midst of flowers, trees, sunshine, horses, dogs, meat, wine, wit, friendly faces and all good things, whither my affection had brought me at the invitation of yours, this violent story of the Pagan born to darkness, and progressing to the first glimmer of light, was written.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Except in the valvy heart, there is no squaring of accounts among friends; except in that lively organ, there is no bringing of the credits and debits of intercourse to an honest balance and a delicate.

acting with or marked by or resulting from great force or energy or emotional intensity

From this reading Under a wide roof, in the midst of flowers, trees, sunshine, horses, dogs, meat, wine, wit, friendly faces and all good things, whither my affection had brought me at the invitation of yours, this violent story of the Pagan born to darkness, and progressing to the first glimmer of light, was written.

the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading Under a wide roof, in the midst of flowers, trees, sunshine, horses, dogs, meat, wine, wit, friendly faces and all good things, whither my affection had brought me at the invitation of yours, this violent story of the Pagan born to darkness, and progressing to the first glimmer of light, was written.

an old word meaning “to where”

From this reading Under a wide roof, in the midst of flowers, trees, sunshine, horses, dogs, meat, wine, wit, friendly faces and all good things, whither my affection had brought me at the invitation of yours, this violent story of the Pagan born to darkness, and progressing to the first glimmer of light, was written.

having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other

From this reading Under a wide roof, in the midst of flowers, trees, sunshine, horses, dogs, meat, wine, wit, friendly faces and all good things, whither my affection had brought me at the invitation of yours, this violent story of the Pagan born to darkness, and progressing to the first glimmer of light, was written.

fermented juice (of grapes especially)

From this reading Under a wide roof, in the midst of flowers, trees, sunshine, horses, dogs, meat, wine, wit, friendly faces and all good things, whither my affection had brought me at the invitation of yours, this violent story of the Pagan born to darkness, and progressing to the first glimmer of light, was written.

a message whose ingenuity or verbal skill or incongruity has the power to evoke laughter

From this reading Under a wide roof, in the midst of flowers, trees, sunshine, horses, dogs, meat, wine, wit, friendly faces and all good things, whither my affection had brought me at the invitation of yours, this violent story of the Pagan born to darkness, and progressing to the first glimmer of light, was written.

in the company of; together with

From this reading But you must do me the further kindness to believe that it is with no thought of squaring accounts that I dedicate it to you.

set down in writing in any of various ways

From this reading Under a wide roof, in the midst of flowers, trees, sunshine, horses, dogs, meat, wine, wit, friendly faces and all good things, whither my affection had brought me at the invitation of yours, this violent story of the Pagan born to darkness, and progressing to the first glimmer of light, was written.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading But you must do me the further kindness to believe that it is with no thought of squaring accounts that I dedicate it to you.

the one or ones belonging to the person spoken to

From this reading Under a wide roof, in the midst of flowers, trees, sunshine, horses, dogs, meat, wine, wit, friendly faces and all good things, whither my affection had brought me at the invitation of yours, this violent story of the Pagan born to darkness, and progressing to the first glimmer of light, was written.